There’s this dream, then I’m awake…

Pops’ Eulogoy

My father, Dennis W Owens, passed away on September 10, 2016. He battled with Stage IV Lung Cancer for eleven months before sucumbing to it. He died exactly 30 days before his 65th birthday. He is missed by so many people. This is the eulogy that I read at his memorial ceremony.

Dennis Owens

Devoted son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather.

He loved rarely,

but, very deeply,

with the whole of his being.

Like the Tennessee River,

on the surface, he was simple, still, calm.

But to know him was to know

that those waters ran deep.

His faith never waivered.

In this thick fog that surrounds us,

He could always see the lighthouse.

God’s Glory was always found,

stunningly obvious, in nature.

He truly marveled at Creation.

No matter the goings-on of men.

He was proud, in a way I might finally

be starting to understand,

looking around at all of you.

He did not fear death.

Not for himself.

but rather, for how

it would affect each of us.

I fear, though, that we’ve already

said more than he’d have preferred.

So, let us take solace now,

knowing his pain is over,

and he can finally breathe.

___

We played only two songs in memorandum. Seven Mary Three’s cover of Otis Redding’s That’s How Strong My Love Is, and The Beatles In My Life. I encourage all reaaders to listen to them.

I’d like to take this moment to thank Memorial Hospital and Tennessee Oncology for doing everything they possibly could, including helping with the payment for his treatment. I’d also like to thank the many, many family members and friends who’ve offered their support in many ways. Although his life long employer, Olan Mills, really treated him like trash at the end, the friends and coworkers from there have been a great comfort. Thank you all. It means more than you could ever know.